Bhalessa

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Bhalessa
𑚡𑚥𑚲𑚨𑚭 भलेसा بھلیسہ
Region
Religious Heritage Bhalessa.jpg
Clockwise: Jama Masjid Akhyarpur, Shiv Mandir Gandoh, Jama Masjid Gandoh, Sittla Mata mandir Dalori
India Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Bhalessa
Location in Jammu and Kashmir
India location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Bhalessa
Bhalessa (India)
Coordinates: 33°02′N75°54′E / 33.03°N 75.90°E / 33.03; 75.90
Country India
Union territory Jammu and Kashmir
Division Jammu
Region Chenab Valley
District Doda
Population
 (2011)
 • Total71,889 [1]
Language
 • OfficialUrdu, English
 • Local Bhalessi, Kashmiri, Gojri, Bhaderwahi
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
182207
Website www.bhalessa.com

Bhalessa is a geographical area within Doda district in the Jammu region of India-administered Kashmir. [1] It consists of the Bunjwah and Bhalessa Valleys, and comprises the three Tehsils of Kahara, Chilly Pingal and Gandoh.

Contents

Name

The name is written بھلیسہ in Urdu, भलेसा in Hindi, and 𑚡𑚥𑚲𑚨𑚭 in the Takri script.

The area is known as Bhales (/bʱəˈles/) to outsiders, but inhabitants of the region use a variety of names, including Bhalessa (/bʱəˈlesɑ/), Bhalesh (/bʱəˈleʃ/, with variant /bʱəˈleiʃ/), and Bhal (/ˈbʱɑl/). [2]

The etymology of the name remains unknown. It has been suggested that it derives from the Sanskrit word for 'good' (bhalla-) [3] or from the name of the 16th-century queen, Queen Bhalla of Bhadarwah. [4] [ better source needed ]

Geography

The Bhalessa region consists of two valleys: Bonjwah and Bhalessa. Bonjwah contains multiple streams, while Bhalessa contains the Kalgoni stream. [4] The two valleys unite near Donadi and the streams merge into the Chenab river. [5]

The area is easily accessible from Churaha Wazarat of Chamba through passes such as Padri Gali and Mehlwar. To the north, it is flanked by the mountains of Kishtwar. [6]

Bhalessa contains various geographical hamlets, such as Neeli, Jitota, Pingal, Chilli, Nanota, and Basnota. Some other areas include Bal Padri, Kanthi Dhar, Soin Bhagar, Naglotan, [7] Goha Dhar, Jawali meadows, Ghasheer Top, Makan and Chashool, Ghati Dhar, Mehal Dhar, Damote Dhar, Lakhan, Kehan Dhar, Mashood Dhar, Mihaad Dhar, Bach Dhar, Nagni Dhar, Talaie, Dhosa Meadows, Rohari Meadows, Lamhote Meadows, Kota Top, Pangas Top Gwalo, Dhanaso Dhar, and Dulchi Dhar.[ citation needed ]

Culture

Тhe official language in the Bhalessa region is Urdu, which is used for administrative purposes. The main spoken language of the sub-district is Bhalessi. Other spoken languages include Kashmiri and Gujari. [8]

During the winter, the nomadic people of the Gujjar and Bakarwals come down to the plain and barren areas of Punjab. During the summer, they go deep into the mountainous valley of Bhalessa with their cattle where they produce milk, cheese, and ghee. During marriage celebrations, the Gujjars perform their folk dances. [9]

Traditional industries such as beekeeping, sheep cattle rearing, handloom weaving, blanket making, and ghee production contribute to the cultural economy of Bhalessa.[ citation needed ]

Transport

The route to Bhalessa from its nearest airport in Jammu goes through Batote via National Highway 144, the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, and National Highway 244 (known as Batote – Kishtwar National Highway), which later leads to Thathri, which is just 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from Kishtwar. To reach Bhalessa, it is necessary to leave the National Highway by a link road known as Thathri-Gandoh-Khilotran road. [10]

Concerns are often raised about the state of the roads in the region, [11] particularly the Thathri–Kilhotran Road, which as of July 2020 was still incomplete even after decades of construction. [12]

Tourism

Bhalessa has been a source of attraction for trackers and tourists. [7]

The area consists of green uplands, like Bhal Padri, which can be a source of attraction for tourism. As of 2020, the inhabitants of the Bhalessa region are demanding a Hill District status and a Tourism Development Authority in order to exhibit tourism potential and for administrative convenience. [7] As of July 2020, two potential spots have been identified for the creation of tourism assets in Block Changa. [13] The people of Bhalessa are represented at various levels, in sports, education, politics, civil services, and other diverse fields. Bhalessa is known for interfaith harmony, and religious communities continue to live in peace during turmoil.[ citation needed ] -there is a tallest mountain, (2415sq. ft) that is "Gasher top" it shows a beautiful view of two states (J&K and Himachal Pradesh)

Politics and administration

Bhalessa has a Sub-Divisional Headquarter located at Gandoh that is controlled by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate. [14]

Bhalessa consists of three tehsils: Gandoh, Chilly Pingal and Kahara. [15] There have been demands for a Hill District Status for these tehsils, [16] as well as for the creation of a separate Tourism Development Authority [17] and the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC). [18]

According to political listings, Bhalessa is listed in the Bhaderwah constituency and Inderwal constituency. Notable politicians include:

He also served as the Chief Minister of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2005 to 2008. On 26 September 2022, Azad announced his own political party as Democratic Progressive Azad Party.

Education

There is a college in Kilhotran under the name of Government Degree College Kilhotran. Schools in Bhalessa work to impart education in rural villages. [23]

Bhalessa also has a Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) to give technical training to young people. [24]

There is an unprecedented growth of madrasa education in the area. The madrasas in Bhalessa include Jamia Gani tul uloom and Asrar ul Uloom. [25] Jamia Gani tul uloom is the largest seminary madrasa in the Jammu province. [26] The Jamia was founded by Alhaj Ghulam Qadir Ganipuri.

NGOs

Several notable NGOs in Bhalessa are as follows:

Notable people

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doda district</span> District in Jammu and Kashmir

Doda district is an administrative district of the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhaderwah</span> Town and sub-district in Jammu and Kashmir, India

Bhaderwah or Bhadarwah is a town, tehsil, and sub-district in the Doda district of Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir</span>

Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Chenab Valley, Sindh Valley and Lidder Valley. Some major tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir are Srinagar, with its renowned Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Bhaderwah, Patnitop and Jammu. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had a significant impact on the state's economy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kishtwar district</span> District of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Kishtwar district is an administrative district of the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the Jammu Division. As of 2011, it is the largest and the least populous district of Jammu and Kashmir.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chenab Valley</span> Term used for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Chenab Valley is a loosely-defined controversial term sometimes used to refer to parts of the Jammu Division in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The term is used to refer to the present-day districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and, at times, Reasi and parts of Udhampur and Kathua. The first three districts used to be part of a single former district called Doda, which was created in 1948 out of the eastern parts of Udhampur district of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, and are sometimes collectively referred to as the Doda belt. The term is seen to be aimed at a communal break-up of the Jammu Division and iteration of Kashmiri Muslim irredentism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thathri</span> A town and a tehsil in Jammu and Kashmir

Thathri is a town and a notified area committee in Doda district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Thathri valley is located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, about 85 km from Batote. Apart from having ample forests, the town contains many small streams flowing through its various parts. It is located on the banks of the Chenab River and the town area is spread over 1.50 sq. Km².

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jantroon Dhar</span> Jantroon is hill station in Thathri

Jantroon Dhar or Jantroon Top is a location in the Doda district, in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a local hill station and a meadow in the Forest Block area, 15 kilometers away from Thathri. The place is surrounded by lush green meadows, snow in winters and covered with dense vegetation. Thousands of local tourists visit every year for spectating three days dangal-cum-wrestling match.

Ababeel (ابابیل), also known as Ababeel NGO, is a charitable trust that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, food kits, and blood donations for the needy, poor, orphans, widows, and also in emergencies in the Chenab Valley's Doda, Kishtwar, Thathri, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and also in the Jammu area. The organization assists people irrespective of caste and religion. It is registered with the Sub Registrar Court Doda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jai Valley</span> Tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir

Jai Valley is an enchanting valley located 32 kilometres (20 mi) northeast of Bhaderwah town in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Bhaderwah-Jai road, which passes through the corniferous deodar forests of Nakshri, Balote, Bhalara and Chinta Valley connects the valley with the Bhaderwah town. The valley has green meadows which act as the attraction for tourists in summers and the snow-covered landscape during winters. Jai valley has about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) long meadows, bisected by a stream called Jai Nallah which merges with a tributary of river Chenab at Kahara in tehsil Thathri. It is also known by the names Jai Garh and Jai Top. The valley is also connected through a 37 kilometres (23 mi) long road with Gandoh. There is no Mobile Network in this valley.

Chinta Valley is a valley and a village located 20 kilometres (12 mi) northeast of Bhaderwah town on Bhaderwah-Jai road. It is covered with thick coniferous forests from all sides with a stream flowing through it known as Chinta Nallah. A village called Thuba divides the valley from Bhaderwah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhal Padri</span> Hill Station in Jammu and Kashmir

Bhal Padri is a hill station situated above a group of small valleys covered with a dense forest located in the Changa, Bhalessa. area of Doda district. It borders Padri Pass, Bhaderwah at a distance of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) northeast. Rivulets and streams flow through this valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghulam Qadir Ganipuri</span> Islamic scholar

Alhaj Ghulam Qadir Ganipuri was a Muslim scholar and spiritual leader. He was the founder of Madrasa Jamia Guni tul Uloom Akhyarpur (Bhatyas) in the Bhalessa, Doda district, of India, which was established in 1983 and named after Abdul Gani Sadiqui. Every year, seminars and literary programs are organized in his memory. During the 2014 Kashmir floods, Ganipuri and some NGOs of the Chenab valley helped flood-ravaged houses and families.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kahara, Jammu and Kashmir</span> Village in Jammu & Kashmir, India

Kahara is a village and tehsil in the Doda district of the Jammu division of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated between mountainous cliffs 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Thathri on the Thathri-Gandoh road.

Donadi is a village in Kahara tehsil of Doda district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is famous for a hydroelectric power project called Lower Kalnie Power Project Donadi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bunjwah</span> Region in Jammu and Kashmir

Bunjwah is a region and tehsil located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It comprises nine panchayat and two nayabats; it became a tehsil in 2014.

Phagsoo is a village and tehsil in the Doda district of the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It was previously part of the Thathri tehsil. Also, the biggest village in Doda

Mahri is a village in Tehsil Thathri of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir. This village was one of the villages of Chenab Valley which was without electricity till 2022.

Thathri–Gandoh National Highway is a 30-kilometre (19 mi) road that connects Thathri to Gandoh, located in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The road serves as a lifeline for the people living in the Bhalessa region as it provides access to various link roads leading to rural and far-flung areas. In 2022, this road was declared a National Highway by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalnai River</span> Tributary of river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir

The Kalnai River is a tributary of the Chenab River in the Bunjwah region bordering Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir. An under construction 48MW Lower Kalnai hydroelectric project is located at Donadi on this river.

Halaran is a village and panchayat located in the Kahara tehsil of Doda district in the Indian administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The village is situated approximately 13 kilometers away from the sub-divisional headquarters, Thathri, and 43 kilometers away from the district headquarters, Doda.

References

  1. 1 2 "CensusIndia.Gov.In Data" . Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  2. ↑ Varma, Siddheshwar (1948). The Bhalesī dialect. Monograph series (Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal). Vol. 4. Calcutta.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. ↑ Varma (1948 , p. 2) makes this suggestion but then goes on to throw doubts on the plausibility of such an etymology.
  4. 1 2 Malik, Sadaket (29 October 2012). "Bhalessa cultural history". Kashmir Media Watch. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  5. ↑ "Chenab River | river, Asia". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  6. ↑ "District Kishtwar, Government of Jammu & Kashmir | Land of Saffron, Sapphire & Shrines | India" . Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 "A separate tourism development authority for Bhalessa". The Chenab Times. 21 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  8. ↑ Kaul, Pritam Krishen (2006). Pahāṛi and Other Tribal Dialects of Jammu. Vol. 1. Delhi: Eastern Book Linkers. p. 73. ISBN   8178541017.
  9. ↑ Malik, Sadaket (29 October 2012). "Bhalessa cultural history". Kashmir Media Watch. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  10. ↑ "Jai Valley | District Doda | India" . Retrieved 8 August 2020.
  11. ↑ interalia. "The deadly roads of Chenab Valley". Kashmir Images Newspaper. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  12. ↑ "Thathri-Kilotran-Soti road". The Daily Excelsior. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
  13. ↑ "Tourism infrastructure set to take a leap in Bhalessa". India Education Diary. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  14. ↑ "Sub-Division Magistrate (SDM) Inaugurated Medical store at Doda district". The News Now. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  15. ↑ "Tehsils in Doda" . Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  16. ↑ "Residents of Bhalessa demanding hill district status - Scoop News Jammu Kashmir". www.scoopnews.in.
  17. ↑ "Tourism Development Authority". 21 July 2020.
  18. ↑ "Bhalessa Student protests, demands creation of the post of ADC for their area". Scoop News. 7 November 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  19. ↑ "Ghulam Nabi Azad retains Bhaderwah seat". Hindustan Times. 28 December 2008. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  20. ↑ "Ghulam Nabi Azad Biography - About family, political life, awards won, history". Elections in India.
  21. ↑ "Ghulam Nabi Azad named Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha". news.biharprabha.com. Indo-Asian News Service. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  22. ↑ "Mohammed Sharief Niaz Man awakened Bhalessa". 5 July 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  23. ↑ "Government Degree College Khilotran Gandoh Bhalessa" . Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  24. ↑ "Directorate of Skills Development, Jammu and Kashmir". Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Archived from the original on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  25. ↑ Sadaket Malik "Madrasah movement in Bhalessa Hamlet". www.jammu-kashmir.com. 4 January 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  26. ↑ "COVID-19: Madrasa management offers hostel building for quarantine facility in J&K's Doda". New Indian Express. 4 April 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  27. ↑ "District volleyball championship concludes". Early Times. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  28. ↑ Malik, Sadaket "Bhalessa-A review on Education". January 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.[ permanent dead link ]
  29. ↑ "NATIONAL STUDENTS WELFARE ASSOCIATION". Indian NGOs. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  30. ↑ "Bhalessa residents demand restoration of power supply". Early Times. 25 February 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  31. ↑ "Partnership/Support in Jammu and Kashmir". Karwan e Mohabbat. 9 July 2020. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  32. ↑ "SHAHEEN Trust honour labourers". JK Monitor. 2 May 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2020.[ permanent dead link ]
  33. ↑ "Distribution of ration, essential items continues". The Daily Excelsior. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  34. ↑ "Bhalessa residents protest for detachment from Bhaderwah". The Daily Excelsior. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  35. ↑ "Bhalessa fire victims, "what they loss and what they gain"". The News Now. 27 April 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  36. ↑ "SHCT hands over Golden Card to critically ill patient". Universal News Timeline. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  37. ↑ "Mithun Manhas appointed Chief coach of Delhi". The Greater Kashmir. 5 September 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  38. ↑ "Asian Games medallist Chain Singh from J&K felicitated". The Times of India. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
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